Fife Constabulary hailed i-Witness as a ‘fantastic tool’ in the fight against crime because it allows police to watch events as they unfold.
Using it, officers can quickly review recent events – enabling them to get an understanding of what led up to crimes.
“They can be watching the incident live, whilst at the same time be able to very quickly review what’s gone before, and then they can relay that information to officers on the ground”, said Stuart Ward, CCTV officer at Fife Constabulary.
The force tested several systems but Ward said i-Witness’s fast search and retrieve facility and managed service made it the most attractive choice.
“The pace of development with digital recording means that equipment can quickly become obsolete.
“With any off-the-shelf solution once you have bought it, that’s it, you are stuck with it. But with the managed service that BT i-Witness offers we had a solution that would be upgraded to keep pace with technology, all as part of the package.”
Police and BT Redcare worked together on the project, as sales manager Ivan Watkinson explained.
“The whole proposition is built around the foundation of partnership working with our clients. Essentially this is a two-way street where we are fed with constant ideas on change and improvements and our clients remain with a system which reflects current technology backed up with world-class service.”
Ward said his colleagues are able to review operations more efficiently using BT’s technology.
“It’s at least quadrupled our the review rate – this has enabled us to increase the number of cases that we are able to put to the court. Our experience with BT Redcare and i-Witness has been very positive – it’s a fantastic tool. I am very happy that the way we have chosen to go has been the right way.”